Crockpot Cowboy Soup

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy
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Where I live, the temperature has taken a very sudden plummet over the past week or so, and that of course means that soups are very firmly back on the menu! You might have already checked out my crockpot sausage and potato soup and my crockpot crack potato soup, and if you loved those, I’ve got a real treat for you today. 

This crockpot cowboy soup is hearty, smoky, wholesome, and packed with all the good stuff — ground beef, beans, corn, potatoes, and plenty of seasoning to give it that campfire-style flavor. The best part is that everything is chucked into the slow cooker, making it the ultimate dump-and-go choice. Just brown the beef, toss in the veggies, beans, and spices, cover, and let the crockpot do the hard work.

A few hours later, you’ve got a big pot of comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or whenever you’re craving something filling and fuss-free. The perfect winter warmer for these colder days!

crockpot cowboy soup

Ingredients

  • Ground beef (browned and drained) – The hearty base of the soup. Browning first adds flavor and keeps it from being greasy.

  • Beef broth – Builds a rich, savory base for all the ingredients to simmer in.

  • Yellow onion – Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down.

  • Green bell pepper – A pop of color and mild pepper flavor.

  • Kidney beans – Classic cowboy soup bean with a meaty texture.

  • Black beans – Add variety and an earthy flavor.

  • Diced tomatoes – Bring acidity and brightness to balance the richness.

  • Sweet corn – A little sweetness and crunch in every bite.

  • Tomato paste – Thickens the broth and deepens the tomato flavor.

  • Chili powder – Kicks up the flavor with mild heat.

  • Liquid smoke (optional) – Adds a smoky, campfire vibe if you want it.

  • Paprika – For extra warmth and subtle smokiness.

  • Minced garlic – Rounds everything out with bold flavor.

  • Cumin – Earthy and aromatic, ties the spices together.

  • Salt and black pepper – Essential for balancing all the flavors.

slow cooker cowboy soup

How To Make Crockpot Cowboy Soup

  • Make the soup: Add all the ingredients straight into your crockpot and give it a good stir so everything’s mixed together.
  • Cook: Cover with the lid and let it do its thing — about 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low, until the veggies are tender and the flavors have come together.
  • Serve: Ladle into bowls and dig in. A sprinkle of cheese or a side of cornbread never hurts either.

cowboy soup

Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually get better after a day or two.

  • Freezer: This soup freezes like a dream. Keep it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens up too much.

cowboy soup on spoon

Recipe Notes

  • Swap the tomatoes: Rotel works great in place of the diced tomatoes. The can is a little smaller (10 ounces instead of 14), but it won’t throw things off.

  • Don’t stress the can sizes: If your beans, corn, or tomatoes aren’t an exact match to the ounces listed, that’s totally fine. Close enough works here.

  • Season to taste: Before serving, give it a taste and adjust the spices to fit your preference. Everyone’s chili powder tolerance is different!

  • Clean-out-the-cupboard friendly: This recipe is perfect for tossing in whatever you’ve got hanging around. Extra veggies, leftover meat, or even a different type of bean? Go for it.

cowboy soup in crockpot

Serving Ideas

This soup is a meal all on its own, but a few extras on the side (or on top) make it even better:

  • Cheese, sour cream, and green onions – Classic toppings that add creaminess and freshness.

  • Jalapeños or hot sauce – For a spicy kick if you like things bolder.

  • Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread – Great for dipping and soaking up all that flavorful broth.

  • Biscuits or dinner rolls – Because soup and bread are a match made in heaven.

  • Avocado slices – For a creamy, cool contrast to the smoky, spicy flavors.

cowboy crockpot soup

cowboy soup on spoon
Print Recipe

Crockpot Cowboy Soup

A hearty, flavor-packed soup loaded with ground beef, beans, corn, and veggies simmered low and slow in the crockpot. It’s smoky, cozy, and perfect for feeding a crowd — just set it, forget it, and come back to a bowl of cowboy comfort.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course, Soup
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef browned and drained
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 can kidney beans drained (15.25 ounces)
  • 1 can black beans drained (15 ounces)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
  • 1 can sweetcorn drained (15.5 ounces)
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke optional
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients straight into your crockpot and give it a good stir so everything’s mixed together.
  • Cover with the lid and let it do its thing — about 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low, until the veggies are tender and the flavors have come together.
  • Ladle into bowls and dig in.

As you can see, this crockpot cowboy soup is super simple to make! If you give it a try, let me know what you think in the comment section below. It helps other people who are thinking of making the recipe, and it means so much to me to hear your feedback!